The opening scene of the play immediately sets the tone to have a very murky and spooky atmosphere. Shakespeare had the 3 witches open the play and set a dark tone right at the start. In the first scene, the three witches are seen planning to meet upon the heath, after the battle, to confront Macbeth about the prophecy. In the second scene a wounded bloodied captain is seen making jokes about and talking about what is happening and has happened on the battle front. The weather is pouring out and there is a slaughter on the battlefield. This weather and news from the battlefront only proceeds and continues to further the darkness and solumness of the play. In the final scene we read, Macbeth is confronted on the battlefield by the 3 witches and is told his fate. The conditions alone that Macbeth is in when he is confronted with his fate are miserable.
Brendan,
ReplyDeleteIf you read our blog, you will see that many of your classmates agree with your commentary. The "foul" weather must serve as an indicator or a predictor of unfortunate circumstances. Macbeth starts the play with an elevated status and we are sure to see him fall. The only question is: do you feel sympathy for him or are you happy to see his demise?